Top food festival in Texas lures celebrity chefs and Lone Star heroes

Austin Food & Wine Festival has released its 2015 chef lineup, and it’s fat with national stars and Texas talent. More than 40 events take place over a jam-packed three days, from Friday, April 24, to Sunday, April 26.

Also on Saturday and Sunday, top Austin toques serve signature fare at the annual Chef Showcase. But the most talked-about festival experience is Rock Your Taco, which returns to Republic Square Park on Saturday evening. Lee Fields performs while 2014 champion Richard Blais defends his title against fellow celebrity chefs Hugh Acheson, former champ Tyson Cole, Jonathan Waxman and many more.

The 2015 festival features expanded ticketing options, which are now on sale. The all-in option ($550) grants access to the aforementioned events (excluding Thursday’s dinner) and guarantees a spot at Love's grilling demo. The weekender pass ($250) includes access to the daytime events on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets to Feast Under the Stars ($225), Taste of Texas ($150), Rock Your Taco ($200) and Sips & Sweets ($75) can be purchased individually.